Sneak Veggies into a Kid's Burger

Get Your Burger On: Sneaking Veggies in Their Sliders

My kids actually really like burgers and it is never any trouble to get them to eat one but getting them to eat a veggie alongside is nearly impossible. So, I have been tricking them and adding veggies to my burgers before I cook them. Depending on what veggies are in season, I will add them raw to my food processor to chop them up a bit. Mix it in with hamburger meat and add a little panko bread crumbs to keep it all together. My kids love the burgers and never complain that they are eating baby chard, squash and bell peppers. I usually put a little spinach pesto on the bun (they don't realize it is spinach they just love the way it tastes). The mini buns I have been buying at Trader Joe's are the perfect size for them. They chow down on these sliders with no hesitation or complaining.

Get Your Burger On: Sneaking Veggies in Their Sliders

Original Recipe

Ingredients

1 pound of hamburger

1 small squash

1 bell pepper

1/2 cup baby chard

1/4-1/2 cup panko or bread crumbs

salt and pepper

cheese, if desired

12 slider buns

1/2 cup homemade spinach pesto

tomato slices

Directions

Use a food processor to rough chop your veggies. Don't over do it or they will become to watery.

In a large bowl, add the veggies, hamburger meat, salt, pepper and panko. Mix ingredients well. Make patties that will fit on your bun using your hands or cookie cutter.

Cook these in a pan over medium heat or in the oven at 350 for 15-25 minutes depending on the size. Cook until firm. Melt cheese over top, if desired.

Toast buns. Spread a thin layer of pesto on the bottom bun, top with burger, tomato and bun top.